Children's Book Reviews

Let's Roar!

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Book Review #87

 Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches
Author: Michel Guyon
Illustrator: Zina Kostich
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2021
ISBN:978-1524867720
Reading Level: 9 to 12 years

Main Characters: Archibald and Hailee Finch (brother and sister).

Plot: The plot centers around magic, myths, a haunted mansion, time travel, the Middle Ages, monsters, an army of witches, and a lot of adventure.  

Settings: Contemporary London and fictional Lemurea.


Genre/Theme/Style: 
Children's Medieval Fiction Books, Children's Time Travel Fiction, Children's Fantasy & Magic Books.


I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? I appreciated the humor and found a lot of things to like about the story. However, to be honest, it was the illustrations that drew me into the book.  

Critical Analysis: This story is very much like the Harry Potter Series. It has a lot going on and just a touch of the dark side. It was a little slow at first, but it did pick up speed. Archibald came across as a little over the top, but the writing kept my interest. Harry Potter fans will enjoy reading this one.

It is not a standalone book but the first in the series.  

Connections: Archibald Finch 

Monday, January 23, 2023

Book Review #86

The Lights That Dance 
In The Night

Author: Yuval Zommer
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022
ISBN: 978-093563137‎
Reading Age: ‎3 to 7 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Books, Picture Books, Seasons, Environment, Green Living, Recycling. 

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is a beautifully illustrated book that young readers will enjoy.

Critical Analysis: This is done in a rhyming story style. It is very poetic in its descriptions and brings nature into the spotlight in all its wintery wonder. 

"An easy and enchanting read-aloud that is perfect for one-on-one sharing and groups alike. . . . Engaging rhyming cadence and  adorable artwork."

~School Library Journal

Appeal: Children will encounter the natural world in Wintertime through imaginative rhyme and lovely pictures.

"A glowing tribute to a remarkable natural wonder."~Kirkus